Tour
The Household Appliance Revolution
New allies in the home
Italian life would undergo a series of radical transformations over the boom years. One aspect of life that is often overlooked was the stream of new electrical “devices” in homes, or household appliances. Their spread in Italy gradually took off from the beginning of 1950s onwards, helping to drive enormous changes in lifestyles for households, and for women in particular.
Italian life would undergo a series of radical transformations over the boom years. One aspect of life that is often overlooked was the stream of new electrical “devices” in homes, or household appliances. Their spread in Italy gradually took off from the beginning of 1950s onwards, helping to drive enormous changes in lifestyles for households, and for women in particular.
A new market
As a recording from those years eloquently puts it, “these devices are the ideal solution for ladies who love their homes and for those who are often not at home.” As the quintessential herald of modernity, the Milan Fair was the prime place to see the new technologies in action, before taking them home. Many companies would turn to manufacturing them.
As a recording from those years eloquently puts it, “these devices are the ideal solution for ladies who love their homes and for those who are often not at home.” As the quintessential herald of modernity, the Milan Fair was the prime place to see the new technologies in action, before taking them home. Many companies would turn to manufacturing them.
The dream of young and old alike
What was on show at the fair? Gas cookers, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and television sets, but also smaller appliances, such as mixers and coffee machines—all that was brand new!
What was on show at the fair? Gas cookers, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and television sets, but also smaller appliances, such as mixers and coffee machines—all that was brand new!